What is the STEM Academy?
The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Academy at Columbia Basin College is a program designed to provide first-year college students with an opportunity to develop strong college-level STEM skills by engaging in authentic science inquiry and related activities. Studies show that students who are in the STEM field and receive a combination of financial, academic and social support have a higher chance to persist in achieving their dream of a career in STEM. Students in the STEM Academy receive additional support, mentoring, guidance, and a rigorous course planning.
Requirements for participation:
- Be a first year CBC student in the STEM Pathway.
- Have a minimum High School average of 80 or GPA of 2.5. (GED Scores with a minimum 165).
- Agree to enroll in a CBC first year course of study that includes STEM focused HDEV 101 in the fall.
- Agree to enroll into two STEM courses per quarter for the first year.
- Complete a college level mathematics course by the end of the year.
- Agree to an assigned Peer Mentor.
- Attend the Peer Mentor meetings every other week of the first quarter.
- Attend end of quarter celebration.
- Attend the Industry Colloquium.
- Meet with your completion coach to discuss your career pathway at least once each quarter.
Benefits of the STEM Academy
- Receive access to a textbook lending library (physical and electronic).
- Receive a $500 financial assistance stipend that can be used for educational expenses.
- Complete a bilingual supported Human Development orientation course designed for STEM students.
- Follow a cohort-model schedule that enhances a sense of belonging and community among first-year Math Science & Engineering students.
* At this time, we are not taking any new applications. Please check back Fall 2023.
The STEM Academy is funded by a $200,000 grant from the National Science Foundation, DUE#2121883. The grant timeline is October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2023. Video is brought to you by the National Science Foundation.
